Depending on You

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. 

For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. 

Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”

Romans 12:17-20 NLT

We've all heard it said, "You just can't be nice to some people." Generally, that is understood to mean that no matter how nice you are to them, they will not be nice in return, or no matter how much you give to them, it's never enough and they will not give an inch in return. Does that free us to literally not be nice to some people? No, it doesn't.

In the New King James Version of the Bible, verse 18 reads, If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. You see, as the believer, the Christ-follower, the one walking in Christ's footprints, YOU are instructed to live in peace - to NEVER take revenge - even if they've wronged you. Disney thought they had made it with "Let It Go" - but God told us first, and He said don't take revenge, either, promising that He would take care of it. That gives us the assurance and the confidence to go even further with the peace that God has gifted to us - to extend the hand of Jesus to our enemy, and on top of that to bring the person in and feed them. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. God is depending on you.

Prayer:

Father,

          We cast all our care on You, according to Your Word, knowing that You care for us. Help us to translate that care to those You've placed within our sphere of influence so that we do indeed live peaceably with all men. We want to be someone You can depend on. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen